Lee High alumnus Craig Kimbrel starts slow in Braves closer race

Atlanta Braves pitcher and Lee High alumnus Craig Kimbrel is competing for the closer role with Jonny Venters during spring training. (The Huntsville TImes/Glenn Baeske)

Entering spring training, one of the most intriguing position races across baseball involved former Lee High pitcher and third baseman Craig Kimbrel fighting for the Atlanta Braves' closer role.

Early into March, Kimbrel is off to a rocky start.

In three appearances, the 22-year-old has allowed four earned runs and six hits over 2 1/3 innings. He had a scoreless outing on Wednesday, but followed it up by surrendering two runs in one inning on Friday.

Still, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez isn't panicking over Kimbrel's early issues, reports MLB.com's Mark Bowman. "If there's a trend like this later in the spring, then you start worrying about it," Gonzalez reportedly said.

The major reason Kimbrel has competition entering spring training is the spectacular 2010 season turned in by setup man Jonny Venters, who posted a 1.95 ERA in 79 appearances for the Braves last year. While Kimbrel holds the slight edge for taking over as the Braves' closer from the retired Billy Wagner, the mild-mannered Venters is ready to take on a larger role in Atlanta, Bowman reports.

As with most spring training position battles, it's far too early to call a winner. For now, it sounds like Kimbrel must continue to improve his control is he wants to hold off Venters.